Originally Posted by
Razorback flyer
And those of us hired around when the Merger was announced have been on reserve a little over 2 years. (And we're very happy you're here!)
How long on reserve also depends on what base/AC you're in - how big and how senior. In a relatively small (and junior) category like one of the DC9 cats, there may only be 15 reserves - so you don't have to have as many bodies under you to hold a line. On the ATL M88, there are over 500 pilots in the category, so about 100 of them are reserves. Add in the seniority factor, and I've heard it takes about a year of pretty good hiring to hold a line there.
OH YEAH! The reserve system at Delta needs work. I especially like the lower pay for reserves versus line holders. Why did anyone agree to that? I've been on reserve since I was hired too. This summer has been brutal! Finally broke guarantee after 2.5 years though! 73.5 hours in August with 14 days hard flying and 5 short call days.
If the 305 hired are the only ones hired you will be on reserve for a while to come! If we hire 60/month next year, who knows, you might be on reserve less than 6 months.
Let's hope we keep hiring! Welcome aboard! Hard as it is right now, I really think this is the only place to be...